Photos: Sizing up the running backs in the NFL draft

With Ben Tate departing via free agency, the Texans have a huge hole behind Arian Foster on the depth chart. The draft is the way Houston usually likes to fill their needs so here is a look at the 2014 running back draft class.

Photo: Sam Riche / Associated Press

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Carlos Hyde, 6-0, 230, 4.66, Ohio State

Hyde captures the uncertainty of the 2014 draft class at running back. The 2013 Big Ten back of the year missed the first three games of Ohio State’s season due to an assault investigation. A disappointing NFL scouting combine didn’t help Hyde’s case. But he’s still the best talent in a weak backfield class. less

Carlos Hyde, 6-0, 230, 4.66, Ohio State

Hyde captures the uncertainty of the 2014 draft class at running back. The 2013 Big Ten back of the year missed the first three games of Ohio State’s season due ... more

Photo: Sam Riche / Associated Press

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Tre Mason, 5-8, 207, 4.50, Auburn

Mason doesn’t have the size Hyde has. But the ex-Tiger has NFL speed and finished sixth in 2013 Heisman trophy voting, while breaking Bo Jackson’s single-season school rushing record via 1,816 yards. Mason’s a potential fit for the Texans in the third round. less

Tre Mason, 5-8, 207, 4.50, Auburn

Mason doesn’t have the size Hyde has. But the ex-Tiger has NFL speed and finished sixth in 2013 Heisman trophy voting, while breaking Bo Jackson’s single-season school ... more

Photo: Dave Martin / Associated Press

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Jeremy Hill, 6-1, 233, 4.66, LSU

Like Mason, Hill could surpass Hyde in the pros. Like Hyde, Hill faced image problems in college. The former LSU runner collected 1,401 rushing yards last season. Hill was also suspended for allegedly punching a man outside a campus bar. less

Jeremy Hill, 6-1, 233, 4.66, LSU

Like Mason, Hill could surpass Hyde in the pros. Like Hyde, Hill faced image problems in college. The former LSU runner collected 1,401 rushing yards last season. Hill was ... more

Photo: Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle

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Bishop Sankey, 5-9, 209, 4.49, Washington

Sankey is the fastest among the top-four backs and has a frame that fits the modern game. His 1,870 rushing yards last season set the Huskies’ single-season record, breaking Corey Dillon’s mark. Likely an NFL backup until an injury opens up a starting spot. less

Bishop Sankey, 5-9, 209, 4.49, Washington

Sankey is the fastest among the top-four backs and has a frame that fits the modern game. His 1,870 rushing yards last season set the Huskies’ single-season ... more

Photo: Otto Greule Jr / Getty Images

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Best of the rest
Lache Seastrunk, 5-10, 201, Baylor

Best of the rest
Lache Seastrunk, 5-10, 201, Baylor

Photo: Ronald Martinez / Getty Images

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Best of the rest
Andre Williams, 5-11, 230, Boston College

Best of the rest
Andre Williams, 5-11, 230, Boston College

Photo: Patrick Semansky / Associated Press

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Best of the rest
Ka’Deem Carey, 5-9, 207, Arizona

Best of the rest
Ka’Deem Carey, 5-9, 207, Arizona

Photo: Jason O. Watson / Getty Images

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Best of the rest
Charles Sims, 6-0, 214, West Virginia

Best of the rest
Charles Sims, 6-0, 214, West Virginia

Photo: Chris Jackson / Associated Press

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Best of the rest
Terrance West, 5-9, 225, Towson

Best of the rest
Terrance West, 5-9, 225, Towson

Photo: Tony Gutierrez / Associated Press

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Best of the rest
Devonta Freeman, 5-8, 206, Florida State

Best of the rest
Devonta Freeman, 5-8, 206, Florida State

Photo: Phil Sandlin / Associated Press

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Best of the rest
Storm Johnson, 6-0, 209, Central Florida

Best of the rest
Storm Johnson, 6-0, 209, Central Florida

Photo: Rick Scuteri / Associated Press

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Sleeper
Storm Johnson, 6-0, 209, 4.54, Central Florida

Blake Bortles is clearly the biggest name from UCF in the draft. But junior running back Storm Johnson may be more NFL-ready. Johnson often shines on the Knights’ game tape, balancing strong footwork with soft hands. less

Sleeper
Storm Johnson, 6-0, 209, 4.54, Central Florida

Blake Bortles is clearly the biggest name from UCF in the draft. But junior running back Storm Johnson may be more NFL-ready. Johnson often shines ... more

Photo: Joe Robbins / Getty Images

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Notable

Towson’s Terrance West has sleeper written all over him. The small-school back plays bigger than 5-9, 225 and could be off the board by round four.

Notable

Towson’s Terrance West has sleeper written all over him. The small-school back plays bigger than 5-9, 225 and could be off the board by round four.

Photo: Diamond Images / Diamond Images/Getty Images

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Notable

Baylor’s Lache Seastrunk recorded a 4.37 in the 40 during Baylor’s pro day, began his college career at Oregon, and has a background in track and field.

Notable

Baylor’s Lache Seastrunk recorded a 4.37 in the 40 during Baylor’s pro day, began his college career at Oregon, and has a background in track and field.

Yes, the Texans need a franchise quarterback. But their second-most immediate need in the 2014 draft is at running back. Arian Foster is coming off a troubled, injury-plagued year and former backup Ben Tate signed with Cleveland this offseason. Look for the Texans to add backfield depth in rounds 3-5. less

Texans needs

Yes, the Texans need a franchise quarterback. But their second-most immediate need in the 2014 draft is at running back. Arian Foster is coming off a troubled, injury-plagued year and former ... more